Bruins goalie Linus Ullmark making strong case to start Game 1 of playoffs NBC Sports Boston [Video]

The Boston Bruins have two goaltenders worthy of being the starter in Game 1 of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs, but after another sparkling performance, Linus Ullmark deserves to have a small edge over Jeremy Swayman with about two weeks remaining in the regular season.

As recently as Tuesday, I still leaned slightly toward Swayman as the Game 1 starter. The ideal scenario for the Bruins is Swayman being the No. 1 guy, winning at least one round in the playoffs and signing a long-term extension in the offseason. His age fits the timeline of the Bruins’ other cornerstone players, and he has the potential to be a top 10 goalie for a long time.

But the No. 1 job, and the role of starting Game 1 of the playoffs, shouldn’t just be handed out. It has to be earned. And right now, Ullmark has a strong case to be in the crease to begin the postseason.

Ullmark played fantastic in Tuesday night’s 3-0 …